Save the Date: Aug 14 – 16, 2026
Get ready for the ultimate celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and vibes! Carifest Calgary returns, promising an unforgettable weekend of vibrant festivities.
Carifest 2026 Countdown
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Carifest Banquet & Gala
Get ready to fly with us to beautiful island destinations and celebrate Carifest’s 45th Anniversary at The Carifest Banquet & Gala!
From takeoff to touchdown, every mile will be magical as we celebrate the past 45 vibrant years of the beloved Carifest festival and its impact on Calgary’s cultural and artistic landscape.
Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to experience the best of Carifest all in one place!
2026 Schedule
Thur, Aug 14
Cultural Dance Conference
Thur, Aug 13
Join us for a vibrant one-day gathering celebrating the richness, history, and future of Caribbean dance and cultural expression as we get ready for this year’s CARIFEST Festival celebrations!
The CARIFEST Caribbean Cultural Dance Conference will bring together international artists, cultural leaders, educators, musicians, community members, and dance enthusiasts for a day of movement, dialogue, artistic exchange, and cultural celebration rooted in Caribbean traditions and diasporic experiences.
This special kickoff event to the larger 3-day CARIFEST Festival will feature:
🌺 Dance Workshops
🎶 Live Music & Cultural Demonstrations
🗣 Artist Conversations & Panel Discussions
🥁 Caribbean Rhythm & Movement Classes
🤝 Community Networking Opportunities
✨ Intergenerational Cultural Exchange
Whether you are a professional artist, emerging performer, student, educator, or community member, this conference is an opportunity to gather in celebration of Caribbean heritage, creativity, resilience, and joy.
Admission: FREE
Time: 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Location: TBA
Age/Level: ALL AGES! ALL LEVELS!
Come move, learn, connect, and celebrate with us as we honour Caribbean culture and launch another unforgettable year of CARIFEST festivities.
Fri, Aug 14
Drummoloy
Fri, Aug 15
Drummology
Day One of the CARIFEST Festival
Join us as we kick off the 45th Anniversary of CARIFEST with DRUMMOLOGY — a vibrant celebration centred around the instrument that connects us all… THE DRUM.
For generations, the drum has carried the heartbeat of Caribbean culture — calling communities together through rhythm, storytelling, resistance, celebration, and joy. DRUMMOLOGY honours these traditions while celebrating the lasting impact Caribbean culture has had on Calgary’s cultural landscape over the past 45 years.
This free, family-friendly festival experience will feature:
🥁 Live Drumming & Percussion Performances
🌺 Caribbean Music & Dance
🎶 Cultural Showcases
🍴 Caribbean Food Vendors
✨ Interactive Rhythm Experiences
🌍 Celebration of Caribbean Heritage & Diaspora Culture
Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and community spirit as we gather to celebrate the rhythms, people, and traditions that continue to shape our city.
Admission: FREE
Time: TBA
Location: Cowboys Park (1220 9 Ave SW)
Age: ALL AGES!
Come feel the rhythm, honour the legacy, and celebrate 45 years of Caribbean culture, resilience, and community with us at CARIFEST 2026.
Fri, Aug 14
Night Carnival
Fri, Aug 15
Night Carnival
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Fri, Aug 14
Night Carnival
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sat, Aug 15
Grand Parade
Sat, Aug 15
Grand Parade
Experience the colour, rhythm, and excitement of our annual CARIFEST Parade! Watch the streets come alive with dazzling costumes, masqueraders, dancers, musicians, cultural groups, and vibrant Caribbean spirit as we celebrate the traditions and joy of Carnival.
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sat, Aug 15
Carnival in the Park
Sat, Aug 15
Carnival in the Park
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sat, Aug 15
Carnival in the Park
The celebration continues with Carnival in D Park — a family-friendly outdoor experience filled with live performances, Caribbean food vendors, DJs, cultural showcases, dancing, community activities, and nonstop vibes for all ages.
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sat, Aug 15
The Official After Party
Sat, Aug 16
The Official After Party
When the sun goes down, the energy turns all the way up! Join us for the Official CARIFEST After Party featuring Caribbean music, DJs, dancing, and a night of celebration honouring 45 incredible years of CARIFEST.
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sun, Aug 16
Reggae Cool Down
Sun, Aug 16
Reggae Cool Down
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Sun, Aug 16
Reggae Cool Down
After two incredible days of rhythm, movement, Carnival, and celebration, we invite you to close out the 45th Anniversary of CARIFEST with The Reggae Cool Down — an evening dedicated to soulful vibrations, community connection, and the music that moves the spirit.
Featuring the finest in:
🎶 Gospel
🎤 Soul
🎷 R&B
🇯🇲 And of course… REGGAE
The Reggae Cool Down is a space to unwind, reflect, dance, sing along, and celebrate the beauty and influence of Caribbean music and culture within Calgary’s cultural landscape over the past 45 years.
Enjoy an unforgettable atmosphere filled with:
🌺 Live Performances
🥁 Caribbean Rhythms & Good Vibes
🍴 Delicious Food Vendors
✨ Community Celebration
🎶 Music for the Soul
Whether you come to groove, relax with family and friends, or simply soak in the energy, The Reggae Cool Down promises a joyful and uplifting finale to this year’s CARIFEST celebrations.
DETAILS COMING SOON…
Get Your Exclusive Access!
The VIP Experience
★ Front-row viewing of all main stage acts.
★ Comfortable shaded VIP lounge seating.
★ Appetizer service during designated hours.
★ Private cash bar with Caribbean cocktail specials.
★ One (1) complimentary drink per day.
★ VIP ticket to our Official After Party.
Sponsors
